What Happens In Your Child’s First Trauma Therapy Session?

Learn More

5 Signs Your Child May Need Trauma Support

Nightmares, Anxiety, and Big Emotions?
5 Signs Your Child May Need Trauma Support

 

It’s More Than Just a Phase

It is very normal for children to experience fears, worries, and emotional ups and downs. Nightmares are another thing that most children go through. But when nightmares become frequent, anxiety seems constant, or emotions feel overwhelming, parents often wonder whether something more is happening beneath the surface. For children who have gone through something terrible these responses may obviously be the result of this event. Alternatively, when the source of the nightmares is unknown parents may assume it’s a phase…but maybe not. 

Every child processes fear differently—what frightens one may not affect another. It’s also important to remember that seemingly small or everyday events, like a minor car accident or a sudden dog bite, can be deeply traumatizing to a young mind. When children experience these overwhelming moments, they often can’t find the words to explain what they are going through. Instead, they “speak” through their actions, showing their distress through changes in the their behavior, sleep, emotions, and relationships.

Most likely if you are reading this article, you are a concerned, loving caregiver or parent. We want to help you to sort out the difference between something that is just a phase or possibly something more. Understanding these signs that we will go over can help families recognize when additional support may be beneficial.

---

What Does Trauma Look Like in Children?

Trauma doesn’t always look like sadness or fear. Trauma in children often can show up as a child being irritable and angry. Defiance may come along with this demeanor as well. Additionally, another typical presentation is a pulling into themselves which can be anxiety we typically see as verbalized worries. Daydreaming, distractibility, and new inability to complete tasks are other behaviors that are observed. 

Every child responds differently, and symptoms may appear weeks or even months after a traumatic experience. Due to the uniqueness in how children internally manage trauma, we want to give you the top 5 signs to recognize. 

Sign #1: Frequent Nightmares or Trouble Sleeping

What parents will notice:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up throughout the night
• Nightmares or night terrors
• Wanting to sleep with parents
• Fear of bedtime

Why it happens:

When the brain is trying to process a traumatic experience, feelings of fear and hypervigilance often continue during sleep leading towards nightmares. While nightmares are normal for children to have, they may be an indicator of greater emotional distress if they persist for multiple weeks without resolution. 

Sign #2: Anxiety That Seems Out of Character

Common signs of Anxiety in Children are:

• Clinginess
• Excessive worrying
• Fear of being separated from caregivers
• Avoiding certain places or people
• Being easily startled

Parent takeaway:

Anxiety is often the nervous system’s attempt to stay safe after something frightening has happened. This over reaction or vigilance that is occurring is attempting to help your child maintain safety that has been lost internally to them. This is a key sign that trauma therapy for children is needed. 

 

Sign #3: Big Emotions and Emotional Outbursts

When a child goes through something shocking and terrible, it disables their sense of safety but also their emotional control. 

Parents may see:

• Frequent meltdowns
• Irritability
• Sudden anger
• Crying over small frustrations
• Difficulty calming down

These reactions are often signs of an overwhelmed nervous system rather than intentional misbehavior. The amygdala is the part of the brain that manages our fight or flight response. When a trauma happens to someone, the amygdala can switch to an always on response causing these emotions to be more easily triggered. 

Sign #4: Changes at School or Home

The withdrawal or inattention that we mentioned earlier are typically noticed first at home or school. Trauma can affect concentration, memory, and executive functioning.

Watch for:

• Declining grades
• Trouble paying attention
• Increased conflicts with siblings
• Withdrawal from friends
• Loss of interest in favorite activities

Sign #5: Physical Symptoms Without a Clear Cause

In trauma our nervous system is activated, and may have a hard time returning to it’s baseline levels after the event has occurred. When this activation stays on for too long, it causes a flood of neurochemicals to continuously release. This will create physical symptoms to show up. 

Examples include:

• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension
• Frequent visits to the school nurse

The body and brain are closely connected, and trauma can affect both.

 

---

Should Parents Seek child trauma therapy support?

Having read this article, if you are recognizing even one of these areas affecting your child after a significant event of any type, you should consider reaching out. Trauma therapy for children is appropriate when their symptoms are lasting more than a few weeks, their daily life is being affected, and/or their relationships or school performance is suffering. 

Seeking help early can reduce long-term impacts and provide children with tools to heal.

---

Child Trauma Therapy Support in
Concord, NC – Denver, NC – Mooresville, NC

Connect with a Therapist

 

---

How Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Helps

 

One trauma treatment model that we provide at Miracles Counseling Centers is TF-CBT. It is an evidence-based approach designed specifically for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. Through age-appropriate activities and skill-building, children learn to:

• Understand their emotions
• Develop healthy coping strategies
• Process difficult memories safely
• Reduce anxiety and fear
• Strengthen communication with trusted caregivers

The best part of this model is that parents and caregivers are active partners in the healing process, learning strategies to support their child both during and after therapy.

Let the Healing Begin Now

Nightmares, anxiety, and intense emotions are often signs that a child is carrying more than they can manage on their own. While many children recover naturally with time and support, others benefit from specialized care that helps them process what happened and rebuild a sense of safety.

With compassionate, evidence-based treatment like TF-CBT, children can develop the skills they need to understand their experiences, regulate their emotions, and move forward with greater confidence and resilience. Early support doesn’t just address today’s challenges—it lays the foundation for healthier relationships, emotional well-being, and lifelong coping skills.

You know your child best. If you’ve noticed persistent changes in their mood, behavior, or sense of security, reaching out for support is a powerful first step toward healing—for your child and your family.

Learn More

5 Signs Your Child may be Struggling After Trauma

5 Signs Your Child May Be Struggling After a Traumatic Experience

Many children experience difficult or frightening events at some point in their lives. While some children recover with time and support, others may continue to struggle emotionally or behaviorally. Trauma can affect how a child feels, thinks, and interacts with the world around them.

Recognizing the signs early can help parents get the right support and help their child begin to heal.

 

What Is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma is events, big or small, that the child experienced as a threat to themselves or to someone they care for. What matters is the child’s experience. Even when events may not appear to be as concerning to adults, while they could have left a frightening impression on a child.  For example, a child witnessed the loss of someone they are close to can be traumatic, even if the loss was expected.  Other events that could be classified as trauma include witnessing any level of violence, serious accidents, medical procedures, and physical abuse or domestic violence. 

Every child processes experiences differently. As noted previously, small or brief moments that went unnoted to an adult could leave a negative and lasting traumatic impact on your child. Below we are going to give you 5 signs your child may be struggling after a trauma.

---

5 Signs a Child May Be Struggling After Trauma

1. Changes in Mood or Behavior

Children who are struggling with the effects of trauma may act very differently than they did before those impacting events. When you see any of the following symptoms – take note. 

• Increased irritability or anger

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Increased clinginess or separation anxiety

2. Sleep Problems or Nightmares

Trauma can affect a child’s sense of safety, which is often revealed at bedtime. If there has been a sudden shift in night time comforting by your child, or a change in their comfortability in sleeping over at relatives or friend’s homes this could be an indicator for concern. 

Sleep struggles can be any of the following:

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Frequent nightmares

• Fear of sleeping alone

• Nighttime anxiety

3. Increased Anxiety or Fear

Children who have experienced trauma may become more alert to possible dangers. This is a part of the fight or flight response that we see in any person who has gone through a traumatic event. Their neurological system can shift into high gear in order to prevent being hurt again, causing a surge in anxious feelings and behaviors. 

Examples of this can include:

• Jumpiness or being easily startled

• Worrying about something bad happening

• Avoiding certain places or situations

• Strong reactions to reminders of the event

4. Trouble Concentrating at School

Trauma affects attention and memory due to the brain shifting into a survival mode for self protection. Specifically, the amygdala becomes hyperactive while the hippocampus is suppressed. This ultimately suppresses the parts of the brain that support executive functioning and rational thought. 

Your child may begin showing the following shifts: 

• Difficulty focusing

• Declining grades

• Trouble completing assignments

• Increased frustration with schoolwork

5. Physical Complaints Without Clear Medical Cause

In many cases, children express emotional distress through physical symptoms. This is due in part to having limited emotional vocabulary or recognition of the impacts that the environment has on them. 

These health complaints can include:

• Stomachaches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Feeling sick before school or certain activities

---

When Should Parents Seek Support?

Research shows that treatment is most effective when provided as soon as possible after the event occurs. Consider seeking professional help if:

• Symptoms last longer than a few weeks

• Behaviors are getting worse instead of better

• Your child seems overwhelmed by emotions

• Daily functioning at home or school is affected

Connect with a Therapist

 

Trauma Therapy for Children in Denver, Concord, and Mooresville, NC 

Providing care and treatment for children who have been exposed and are struggling to process traumatic events is crucial to improving their life outcomes. When treatment is not provided, long lasting emotional and behavioral health struggles can persist. There are multiple approaches for children’s treatment that are geared towards their developmental needs. 

Treatment approaches include

• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)

• Play and Art Therapy

• EMDR

• Cognitive Processing Therapy

If your child has experienced a traumatic event and continues to struggle, it’s important to know that you don’t have to navigate this alone—support is available. With the right care, children can begin to make sense of what they’ve been through in a safe and supportive environment. Trauma-focused therapy helps children process difficult experiences, build healthy coping skills, and regain a sense of safety and stability. Over time, this support can empower them to move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.

 

Learn More

TF-CBT Helps Children and Teens Heal After Trauma

 

 

How TF-CBT Helps Children and Teens Heal After Trauma

Why Trauma Doesn’t Just “Go Away”

 

The unfortunate truth is children and teens experience trauma. The unpredictability of life will bring experiences that can cause a traumatic impact. Actually, as we have addressed in other articles, a traumatic impact does not have to necessarily be a big event. Trauma can be moments in which create emotional distress that the person doesn’t yet have the tools to process. They matter not because of how dramatic the moment was — but because of how alone, unsafe, or powerless the person felt at the time. TF-CBT for children and teens helps trauma to resolve and move out of their bodies and mind.

When children have a significant shift in their moods and behaviors, trauma potentially can underlie it. This would not be a temporary change, but a longer term shift in how they typically behave. Things that will be noted are:

• Emotional outbursts or shutdown
• Anxiety, sleep issues, regression
• Behavior changes or school struggles

The truth is, your child may not just “moody” or going through a phase. Trauma impacts the nervous system, not just thoughts. It is possible that the change your seeing is rooted in a trauma response, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and teens can help.

---

What Is TF-CBT? (In Plain Language)

 

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, often called TF-CBT, is an evidence-based approach created specifically to help children and adolescents heal after traumatic experiences. It is one of the most researched and trusted trauma treatments for young people.

At its core, TF-CBT helps kids and teens make sense of what happened to them—without overwhelming them—and learn skills to feel safe again in their bodies, emotions, and relationships.

Trauma can change how a child’s brain and nervous system respond to the world. Specificly, while a dangerous event may be  over the body may still react as if the threat is present. TF-CBT for teens and children works by gently helping the brain and body relearn that safety is possible.

 

Who TF-CBT Is Designed For

 

TF-CBT is used with:

• Children and teens who have experienced trauma
• Caregivers who want to support their child’s healing
• Families who want structure, guidance, and hope—not endless therapy

It is commonly used for trauma related to:

• Abuse or neglect
• Sudden loss or grief
• Medical procedures or hospitalizations
• Accidents or injuries
• Witnessing violence or frightening events

What Makes TF-CBT Different

 

Unlike general talk therapy, TF-CBT is:

• Structured – there is a clear roadmap for treatment
• Time-limited – progress is intentional and goal-focused
• Developmentally appropriate – therapy is tailored to the child’s age
• Caregiver-involved – parents or caregivers are an active part of the process

This approach recognizes that children heal best when the adults in their lives understand trauma and know how to respond with consistency, safety, and connection.

A Child-Centered, Pace-Respecting Approach

 

One common concern parents have is whether trauma therapy will force their child to relive painful memories. TF-CBT for children and teens does not rush this process. Children move at a pace that feels manageable, and skills are built first to help them regulate emotions and feel grounded. Primarily, the goal is not to erase the memory, but to help the child understand it without fear, shame, or self-blame.

In the next section, we’ll explore how TF-CBT works step-by-step and what families can expect during the therapy process.

---

How TF-CBT Actually Works

 

In using this approach, your TF-CBT therapist focuses on three core goals:
Helping kids feel safe in their bodies again
Making sense of what happened without shame
Strengthening the caregiver-child relationship

The PRACTICE Model

 

The PRACTICE model is the structure used in TF-CBT to guide treatment. It helps children and caregivers build coping skills, process traumatic experiences at a safe pace, and strengthen their relationship. The steps focus on education, emotional regulation, understanding thoughts and feelings, gently processing the trauma story, and creating a sense of safety moving forward. The Practice model addresses the following 8 areas:

1. Psychoeducation
2. Relaxation skills
3. Affective expression
4. Cognitive coping
5. Trauma narrative
6. In-vivo mastery
7. Conjoint sessions
8. Enhancing safety

Parents & Caregivers are an important part!

 

TF-CBT is not just individual child and teen therapy. As a result, recognizing the vital role a child’s environment and support team play in mental health, this therapy intentionally incorporates caregivers.

As a caregiver you will learn to:

→How trauma shows up behaviorally
→Ways to respond without escalating
→How to support healing at home

The importance of empowering parents with tools to support the healing at home is fundamental to recovery. 

---

At Miracles Counseling Centers, our therapists provide Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and teens in
Concord, NC, Mooresville, NC, and Denver, NC.

We support young people who are ready to heal from trauma and build emotional resilience—so they can move forward with confidence, safety, and hope.

 

Connect with a Therapist

 

What TF-CBT Is Not

 

Trauma effects on children and teens is already difficult enough. The great part of TF-CBT for children and teens is that it is not about forcing children to relive their trauma. Nor do we want them to have to reopen any wounds without professional support offered. We will be helping children and teens not ignore their emotions, while also keeping therapy focused and time constrained. TF-CBT is structured and time focused, meaning you will not have to be involved in endless therapy that does not end.

---

What Progress Often Looks Like

 

As you and your child moves through treatment using TF-CBT you will notice that they will have less emotional dysregulation. Meaning outbursts, meltdowns, and reactivity will decrease. Ultimately, there will also be fewer reactions to trauma reminders. Overall, they will increase in confidence and sense of safety. Your home and relationship with your child/teen will feel better adjusted and have improved communication that is productive and connective. Each person is unique, and so your child and teen’s improvement will vary based upon their unique life experiences and developmental stages.

---

Healing is Possible with TFCBT

 

Healing is possible. The brain has an incredible capacity to change, and evidence-based approaches like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and teens support the natural ability to heal. This work helps children and teens process their experiences from the inside out, creating meaningful and lasting change. In conclusion, young people who have lived through trauma deserve more than just coping—they deserve the freedom to grow, dream, and move forward without their past continuing to shape their future.

Learn More

Helping Children Heal Through Storytelling

Helping Children Heal Through Storytelling 

Why narrative work is one of the most powerful tools in child therapy.

 

Children don’t often come out and say, “I’m struggling with anxiety,” or “I think my self-esteem is low.” Instead, they say things like, “My tummy hurts,” “I don’t want to go,” or may even just start crying. 

For many kids, especially those dealing with big feelings, behavior issues, sensory overload, or experiences they don’t fully understand yet, words don’t flow easily. But stories? Stories meet them exactly where they are.

Storytelling serves as a gentle, trauma-informed, creativity-based technique to help children process emotions, rebuild confidence, and develop healthier coping skills.

Let’s take a look at how storytelling works, why it’s so effective, and how parents can use the same strategies at home.

---

Why Storytelling Works for the Developing Brain

Kids naturally think in images, metaphors, characters, and pretend play. Their brains are wired for narratives. Ultimately, when therapists introduce stories, they’re doing more than entertaining, they’re helping a child translate emotional experiences into something their mind can understand and safely explore.

Storytelling helps children:

• Name emotions they couldn’t identify before
• Build emotional regulation skills
• Understand cause and effect
• Increase confidence and self-esteem
• Feel empowered rather than ashamed or “bad”
• Create a sense of meaning and coherence
• Strengthen communication skills

For children healing from anxiety, bullying, grief, family changes, trauma, or simply trying to navigate everyday stress, the story becomes a safe container. Basically, it gives shape to something that once felt overwhelming.

1. Using Characters as Emotional Mirrors

One of the most powerful techniques therapists use is creating or choosing characters who represent what the child is experiencing.

A child who feels angry might meet “The Volcano Dragon.”
Children with separation anxiety might hear a story about “The Little Panda Who Found Brave.”
The child who struggles with perfectionism might learn from “The Paintbrush Who Made Mistakes.”

These characters do two things at once…one, they validate the child’s inner world “Someone else feels this way too” and two they create emotional distance, a sense of “This isn’t about me, it’s about the character”. That small amount of distance is crucial. It lets kids talk openly without the pressure of direct self-disclosure.

2. Rewriting the Story to Build Coping Skills

Once the child connects with the character, therapists invite them to help “rewrite” the character’s story.

The character might learn:

• Breathing techniques “The dragon cooled his fire with slow belly breaths”
• Mindfulness tools “Koala pressed her hand to her heart when she felt scared”
• Problem-solving skills “The brave paintbrush asked a friend for help”
• Anger management strategies “The volcano found a safe place to let steam out”
• Healthy communication “The turtle learned to use his words instead of hiding in his shell”
  

In therapeutic language, this is called externalization shifting, where we shift  from “I am the problem” to “I am someone learning skills.” For kids who struggle with meltdowns, shutdowns, anxiety, aggression, or impulse control, this small shift can be life-changing. 

If we’re being honest story telling adds the “now you’re speaking my language” component to child therapy. 

3. Giving Children the Role of Hero, Helper, or Wise Guide

Therapists often allow the child to take an empowered role in the storytelling process. The child becomes:

• The hero who helps the character
• The guide who offers wisdom
• The friend who understands
• The protector who keeps others safe

This is especially powerful for children who have felt helpless, scared, or overwhelmed. By helping the character, they are indirectly learning how to help themselves.

This step restores control, competence, and confidence.

4. Using Storytelling to Process Trauma Safely

For children who have gone through painful experiences, medical procedures, bullying, family conflict, loss, or other trauma… storytelling becomes a gentle entry point. Instead of recounting the event directly (which may be dysregulating or retraumatizing), the child creates a fictional scenario that mirrors the emotional experience.

This gives them a chance to:

• Make sense of what happened
• Release shame
• Explore fears
• See themselves as strong and capable
• Integrate the experience into their story instead of being defined by it

This is trauma-informed narrative work that is respectful, safe, and child-centered.

---

How Parents Can Use Storytelling at Home

Has reading this felt like “Wow, I can see exactly how that approach would be beneficial for my child.” You don’t have to be a therapist to use storytelling as a healing tool.

Parents can use the same techniques in daily life:

Start with a simple opening:
“Once upon a time, there was a kid who felt …”

Introduce a character who mirrors your child’s struggle:
A turtle with big feelings, a bunny with worry thoughts, a robot who needs recharging.

Give the character strengths and helpers:
Friends, wise guides, or tools that represent coping skills.

End with hope and growth never perfection:
The character doesn’t have to “fix” everything, just grow a little.

This builds safety, curiosity, and trust. Children feel seen without feeling exposed.

 

Connect with a Therapist

 

We’re here to help…

As you can see, storytelling is more than a creative exercise, it’s a therapeutic bridge. It helps children put language to their emotions, build healthier coping skills, and understand themselves with more compassion.

Whether used in play therapy, child counseling, or simple bedtime conversations at home, stories help children heal by giving them exactly what they need: safety, connection, imagination, and hope. If your child is navigating anxiety, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, grief, or simply the everyday struggles of growing up, we’re here to help!

One of the greatest strengths is the ability to make meaning of our experiences… and storytelling gives children a safe way to do exactly that.

 

Learn More

Supporting Children after a Shooting

Supporting Children After Witnessing a Public Shooting

A Trauma-Informed Guide for Parents

When a family experiences a terrifying event like a public shooting, even if everyone makes it out physically unharmed, the emotional impact can be profound. Children may struggle to make sense of what they saw and heard, and parents are often left wondering how to help their children feel safe again. The good news is that there are clear, trauma–informed strategies that can guide families through the weeks that follow. Children are resilient, especially when their caregivers know how to support them through fear, confusion, and lingering anxiety.

---

First, Reestablish Safety

One of the most important things caregivers can do in the immediate aftermath is to re–establish a sense of safety and predictability. After a frightening event, a child’s nervous system can remain stuck in “alert mode,” scanning the environment for danger. Parents can help by offering direct reassurance such as, “We’re home, we’re safe, and the danger is over.” Keeping routines stable—bedtime, meals, school—also helps the body and brain settle. Limiting exposure to news footage, online videos, or an abundance of adult conversations about the incident prevents the child from reliving the trauma indirectly.

As children begin processing the event, they may or may not want to talk about what happened. Parents should allow conversations to unfold naturally rather than pushing for details. When children do speak, caregivers can validate their feelings with simple, calm statements like, “That was scary,” or “It makes sense you feel nervous.” Explanations should be brief, honest, and age-appropriate. Avoid minimizing the experience or offering analytical, probability-based reassurance—children need emotional safety dmore than statistics.

Many parents are surprised by the responses that follow trauma, but most reactions are temporary and normal. Nightmares, difficulty sleeping, clinginess, irritability, and repetitive questions are common as the brain tries to integrate a frightening experience. Children often want to revisit the event repeatedly as a way to understand it. Parents can gently reassure children that these reactions are typical and tend to improve with time. The goal is to normalize without heightening fear—“Your brain is trying to make sense of what happened. These reactions usually get better over time.”

Connection is Key

Connection plays a powerful role in helping children recover. Following a traumatic event, many kids benefit from being physically close to their parents—extra cuddles, staying in the same room at night, or sitting near the caregiver during playtime. This closeness supports co-regulation, where the adult’s calm presence helps soothethe child’s nervous system. Slow breathing together, using sensory grounding objects, and speaking in a steady, gentle tone are small actions that can have a big impact. Children take emotional cues from the adults around them; a regulated parent helps create a regulated child.

In addition to emotional connection, children need a simple, coherent narrative about what happened. A clear story anchors their understanding and reduces confusion. Parents might say, “We heard loud noises that were dangerous. We ran to get safe. The police took care of the situation, and now we’re home and safe.” It can also be empowering to highlight the protective steps everyone took—running away, following directions, staying together, or calling for help. This reinforces a sense of competence and self-trust instead of helplessness.

Practical Steps that Work

Coping tools are another valuable piece of recovery. Children respond well to grounding and sensory activities that settle the body. Naming five things they see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste is a highly effective grounding exercise. Deep belly breathing, guided imagery, drawing, or expressive play are all healthy ways for kids to work through feelings that may be difficult to verbalize.

Because nightmares are common in the weeks following trauma, maintaining a predictable and soothing nighttime routine can be helpful. Children may be more likely to share their worries at bedtime. A dim nightlight, a comfort item, or a guided meditation that invites children to imagine “hanging their worries on the worry tree” before bed can help ease the transition to sleep. Some children may need a parent to stay close by until their sense of nighttime safety returns.

As families begin re-engaging with normal life, it’s essential not to force children back into crowded or chaotic environments too quickly. Healing takes time, and each child’s pace may be different. Exposure to triggering environments should be gradual and child-led. Pressuring them to “get over it” can increase fear rather than reduce it.

---

Recognizing When Help is Needed

While many reactions resolve on their own, parents should remain attentive to signs that additional support may be needed. Seek professional help if you observe:

• Persistent nightmares beyond several weeks
• Growing anxiety or panic symptoms
• Avoidance of school, public areas, or age-appropriate separation
• Significant sleep disruptions or regression
• Aggression, irritability, or emotional withdrawal
• Hypervigilance, such as constant scanning of the environment

These signs may indicate that acute stress is shifting toward PTSD and warrant support from a trauma-trained clinician.

If you observe the symptoms above, professional resources can make a tremendous difference. Therapists trained in TF-CBT, EMDR for children, or play therapy use structured approaches specifically designed to help young people recover from trauma, and Miracles Counseling is proud to offer all of the above. Early intervention can prevent long-term symptoms and support a healthier emotional trajectory.

You too, Deserve Support

 

Last, but certainly not least, it’s probably the most important thing for parents to care for themselves. Your emotional stability directly influences your child’s recovery.Acknowledge your own fear or distress, seek support from friends or professionals, and allow yourself to process the experience without burdening your child with adult-level worries. Children don’t need perfect parents, but they do need steady ones. When caregivers model healthy coping behaviors, they create the safest possible environment for healing.

 

Connect with a Therapist

 

Recovering from a traumatic event takes time, but children can and do heal remarkably well when surrounded by calm, supportive, and emotionally attuned caregivers. With patience, connection, and the right tools, families can move forward together with strength and resilience.

 

Marisa Grimmius, LCMHCA is a trauma informed clinician, trained in EMDR. She is passionate about providing clinical care to our community, especially those who have struggled with distressing experiences. Marisa provides clinical support to adolescents 12 years and up, and adults who have life experiences that have affected them, consequently creating the subsequent symptoms of anxiety, OCD, depression, and interpersonal difficulties. She is highly knowledgeable regarding neurodivergency and autism diagnoses as well. Marisa works out of our Mooresville, NC office and is available for in person as well as telehealth therapy sessions.

 

Learn More

Parenting a Child with Autism : A Helpful Guide

Parenting a child on the autism spectrum can feel like you’re trying to piece together a puzzle with no picture on the box. Parenting can be like that in general, but when you start noticing behaviors in your child that feel different, confusing, or hard to explain, that puzzle can feel even more overwhelming. Every parent has struggled with self doubts and uncertainties on how to move forward in parenting.  You’re not alone. Many parents have been right where you are.

Together, we’ll look at what autism is, how it may appear in children, and gentle ways you can support your child—and yourself—along the way.

---

Parenting a child with Autism is Different

 

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental difference in how a person communicates, learns, and experiences the world. It’s called a “spectrum” because autism is very different from person to person. Some kids may be highly verbal and academically advanced, while others may have significant communication challenges. The common thread is that their brain processes information in a way that can make social interaction, flexibility, and sensory experiences more challenging. Children on the autism spectrum will need some adjusted parenting approaches given their unique neurodevelopmental needs. 

 

Key Areas Where Children with Autism May Need Support

 

Every child is unique, but some common areas where kids with autism benefit from extra guidance include:

• Communication & Language – Children with autism may communicate in unique ways. Some might speak later than their peers, use fewer words, or rely on gestures, sounds, or pictures instead of speech. Others may have strong vocabularies but find back-and-forth conversation, tone of voice, or body language harder to understand. Their communication often looks different, but it’s still meaningful—and with support, it can grow and flourish.
• Social Skills – Relationships can be the hardest piece to for a child on the spectrum to manage. Some simple skills such as how to start conversations, share space with peers, or navigate friendships.
• Behavior & Emotional Regulation – Children with autism experience the same range of emotions as their peers, but they may express them in different ways. Support is often needed to help them recognize their feelings and learn healthy ways to share them. Planned strategies for handling transitions, along with reducing overwhelming environmental stimuli, can make a big difference in preventing meltdowns and promoting emotional balance.
• Sensory Support – Due to the ways the brain is wired, offering sensory support can be a key helper in parenting a child who lives with autism. Occupational therapy is another key resource for sensory processing, and can help teach strategies like weighted blankets or tactile resources to help give the brain the input it needs. Other lifestyle adjustments such as noise-canceling headphones, and sensory-friendly environments are often overlooked options that should be a part of a parents tool kit for parenting a child on the spectrum. 
• Daily Living Skills – Children with autism often process information, sensory input, and social expectations differently, which can make everyday tasks harder. Skills like hygiene, cooking, organizing, or handling money may not come naturally and need to be taught step by step. Repetition and reinforcement over the long run will help them to be most successful. This is an area where you are making progress even if they do not seem to be grasping it yet. Give it time!

  

Building Your Child’s Support Team

You are not alone parenting your child with this neurodevelopmental difference. You also should feel comfortable to surround yourself with a team of professionals that can also Think of your child’s care as a team effort, where each specialist brings a different set of tools to help your child grow. Here are some professionals who may become valuable members of your support network:

• Pediatrician or Developmental Pediatrician – Often the first step for evaluation and referrals. A developmental pediatrician specializes in diagnosing and managing developmental differences, including autism.
• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – Supports children with delays in speech, language, or social communication. They can also help introduce alternative communication methods if verbal speech is difficult.
• Occupational Therapist (OT) – Helps with fine motor skills (like handwriting, using utensils), daily living skills (dressing, brushing teeth), and sensory processing challenges.
• Behavioral Therapist (often ABA provider) – Works on understanding behaviors and teaching skills in ways that encourage independence, flexibility, and coping strategies.
• Child Psychologist or Counselor – Provides support for emotional regulation, anxiety, or social skills, and helps parents understand their child’s behaviors.
• Special Education Teachers & School Support Staff – Play a big role in creating and following your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensuring your child has accommodations to thrive academically and socially.

Let me guess you’re thinking “woah, that’s a lot of people”. Remember, you don’t need all of these specialists at once.
The right mix depends on your child’s unique strengths and challenges.

---

Last, but most importantly…You

If you’re so focused on your child that your own needs often end up last on the list, we need to change that! The truth is parenting a child with autism can be deeply rewarding, and also emotionally draining. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

• Find your people. Join parent support groups (online or in person) where you can share stories and resources. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
• Take breaks when you can. Even short moments, like stepping outside for a breath of fresh air help recharge your nervous system.
• Set realistic expectations. Some days will be messy, and that’s okay. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
• Seek your own support. Therapy, coaching, or counseling can give you space to process the ups and downs of parenting.

Remember, your child benefits most when you feel grounded and supported.

Parenting a child with autism isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about showing up with patience, consistency, and compassion, even on the hard days. We’ve all heard the phrase “Hurt people hurt people”, we do ourselves and others a disservice when we don’t adhere to our own needs. Making space to rest, recharge, and care for your own emotional well-being is not only vital for you, but it also strengthens your ability to show up as the steady, grounded parent your child needs.

If you’ve made it this far in the article.. Could it be because this topic resonates with you? You are not alone. Consider reaching out to a professional just to get more clarity.

And in the meantime, remind yourself: you don’t have to have it all figured out today.

You’re doing better than you think.

 

Get Additional Support

 

 

Learn More

Helping Your Little One Name Big Feelings

Helping Your “Little One” Name “Big” Feelings

 

Does your little one ever come to you in tears, without actually saying what’s wrong? Perhaps you sometimes wonder which feeling is behind those tears, is it disappointment, hurt, loneliness? It is completely normal, for children, to use words like “sad” or “mad” when they’re really feeling something deeper. For some, they have no feeling words to describe what they are going through. Children cannot have the language until we teach them. Helping them put names to their emotions is one of the most powerful gifts you can give. 

---

Why Naming Feelings Matters

 

Emotion naming also known as affect labeling does more than just add words to your child’s vocabulary. It helps them feel a little less overwhelmed. Research shows that labeling an emotion reduces stress, calms the amygdala, and gives kids more control over their feelings.

Additionally, children with a solid emotional vocabulary are healthier socially, less impulsive, and more focused in school. That’s because once kids can say “I feel frustrated,” rather than just “mad,” they also strengthen their ability to regulate their emotions and communicate what they need. 

---

Everyday Ways to Support Your Child

 

Narrate Your Own Emotions

Try something like: “I feel really excited because I’m playing with you!” or “I’m frustrated because I lost my keys.” When kids hear emotion words multiple times a day in different contexts, it becomes normal for them too.

Use Emotion Charts or Faces

Print or buy a simple feeling wheel or poster, this display shows feelings named and faces that can help children identify what they feel. Imagine standing in front of a chart with your child seeing happy, sad, mad, proud, worried and asking “Which face matches how you feel?” If your child points to the worried one, you might respond, “It looks like you’re feeling worried. Did something happen at school?” This visual cue helps kids connect an internal feeling with a real word.

Play Storybook Emotions

While reading a story, pause and say: “How do you think that character is feeling? Why?” When you say, “She seems proud of finishing her puzzle, have you ever felt proud like that?” your child gets practice identifying and talking about complex feelings.

 Act It Out: Charades Style

Turn emotion-naming into a game! Write feelings (like excited, upset, scared) on paper, let your child act one out, and guess together. After guessing, ask, “Have you ever felt that way? When?”   

Tune Into the Body

Help children link physical sensations to emotions: “Your shoulders are tight, you might be feeling worried.” Or “Your tummy is all fluttery, could that be excitement?” This body awareness trick helps them label feelings more precisely.

---

What About Tough Moments?

 

If your child is having a meltdown your approach in that situation can either escalate and deescalate the situation. Oftentimes as parents it can be easy to jump straight to discipline, resolution, or dismissing feelings as means to salvage control and quiet. 

 

Instead, try this two-step approach:

1. Pause and Breathe Together, say something like “Let’s take three deep breaths.” It may take a moment. Be patient. This can take some time as they try to get control of their breathing. 
2. When things calm down a bit, gently say, “It seems like you felt really frustrated or overwhelmed. Do you want to tell me about it?”

 

That way, you’re modeling emotional regulation and helping them find the right word in a calmer, safer moment.

---

The Benefits to Naming Emotions are Many

 

 The major benefit to have a high emotional understand is Stronger resilience. When kids name feelings like “disappointed” or “left out” instead of crying or hitting, they’re better able to manage those feelings next time. Children who have the ability to know their emotions also perform better academically and report great levels of life satisfaction. Other benefits include the following:

• Better friendships: Being able to say “I feel hurt when you don’t share” helps friends understand and respect them.
•  Stronger bond with you: The more your child knows you “get” what they’re feeling, the more they’ll come to you with big issues as they grow.

Feelings are our friend! The goal isn’t to avoid feelings, it’s about naming them so we can manage them better. This is the message we want you to hear, allowing your child to reap the benefits! We know you want the best for your child and their future. This is a simple skill that costs nothing and will give them continued positive opportunities!

Request Counseling Support

 

If you feel your child needs more support in emotional recognition and communication counseling and play therapy may be a great next step. You certainly do not have to do this alone. We have seen amazing growth in children when we work with them on emotional language with the combination of understanding of their body responses. We’re here to help! Visit our Therapist Page to learn more about each provider in our practice, several of who have years of clinical experience ins upporting children and adolescents mental health. 

Learn More

Kids and Screen Time: Tips for the School Year

Kids and Screen Time: Tips for the School Year

---

The Digital Dilemma of Parenting

Is your child glued to a screen, even when they should be doing homework or playing outside? Let’s face it, what started out as a simple way for you to keep your kids occupied while you get things done, has turned into their secret obsession with screen time. Screens are now embedded in daily life—used for schoolwork, social interaction, and entertainment. While technology can be educational, excessive screen use has been linked to sleep disturbances, behavioral concerns, and visual strain.

A recent study (Psychological Bulletin, 2025) analyzing data from nearly 300,000 children found a strong correlation between screen overuse—particularly time spent on video games—and increased social and emotional challenges.

When Tech Takes Over the Emotional Impacts are Obvious

Oftentimes, youth are more irritable, distracted, and unfocused when they have had extended periods of screentime. You’re not imagining it. Research shows that too much screen time can overstimulate the brain, leading to difficulties in focus and emotional regulation.

But here’s the good news: you have the power to help your child develop a healthier relationship with screens. It starts with setting clear, consistent limits and encouraging other activities that promote well-being.

Navigating the Detox Phase from Screens

As you begin to set new screen time boundaries, it’s normal for your child to go through an adjustment period often called a “detox” phase. It’ll start out little bumpy at first. Kids will likely be more moody, say they’re bored, or push back against the new rules. This “detox” phase is totally normal it’s just their brain adjusting to less stimulation.

The most important thing during this phase is patience, and to stick with it! Stay calm, be consistent, and offer fun alternatives like playing outside, reading, or doing something creative together. Most kids settle into the new routine within a few days or weeks, and many become more focused, calmer, and even happier.

Just like with any healthy habit, the initial discomfort often gives way to surprising benefits. Many parents find that after a few days or weeks, their children become calmer, more focused, and more engaged with the world around them.

Creating a Healthier Routine

To foster a balanced lifestyle:

 

• Set Clear Screen Time Limits

Establish daily screen time limits based on your child’s age and needs. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour per day of recreational screen time for children aged 2 to 5 years. School age children are recommended to keep screen time at a range of 1.5-2 hours

• Create Screen-Free Zones

Designate certain areas of your home, like the dining room or bedrooms, as screen-free zones. This encourages face-to-face interactions and helps establish boundaries between leisure and rest.

• Encourage Physical Activity

Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities for physical activity, whether it’s playing outside, participating in sports, or just taking breaks to move around during screen time.

• Foster Offline Hobbies

Encourage your child to explore hobbies that don’t involve screens, such as reading, drawing, or playing a musical instrument. These activities not only reduce screen time but also promote creativity and cognitive development.

• Be a Role Model

Children often mimic their parent’s behaviors. By modeling healthy screen habits, like limiting your own screen time and engaging in offline activities, you set a positive example for your child.

• Use Technology Wisely

Leverage parental control tools to monitor and limit your child’s screen time. Apps like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing can help set specific time limits and ensure age-appropriate content.

• Establish a Structured Routine

A consistent daily schedule helps children transition smoothly between activities. Incorporate specific times for schoolwork, physical activity, family time, and screen time to maintain balance.

• Encourage Social Interaction

Organize playdates or family outings to promote face-to-face interactions. Socializing in person helps children develop essential communication skills and emotional intelligence.

 

The New School Year is Great Opportunity for New Routines

As the school year begins, it’s an ideal time to reassess your family’s screen time habits. Collaborate with your child to set realistic goals and establish routines that prioritize both academic responsibilities and personal well-being.

Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate screen time entirely but to ensure it’s balanced with other enriching activities. By setting boundaries and encouraging diverse experiences, you help your child develop a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Seeking Support

Now it is time to begin….The thing that started out as a means to keep your little ones busy needs to go. It seemed great at first but you realize screentime is impacting you, your family’s harmony, and your child too! With consistent effort and clear boundaries, you can guide your child toward healthier screen habits.

 

Request Counseling Support

If you feel you need support in managing screen time or have concerns about your child’s digital habits, professional guidance may be a great next step. Whether this looks like personal counseling for yourself or play therapy sessions for your child, you are not in this alone in this. We’re here to help! Visit our Therapist Page to learn more about each provider in our practice. 

Learn More

Keeping Families Happy During Summer

Creating a Happy Family during Summer Break

For many families, summertime offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the school year and a chance to move at a much slower pace. Parents often enter the summer season excited to spend more time together and make fun memories as a family. However, now that everyone has settled in, you may feel that excitement wearing off if there is an increase in bickering and quarreling. Perhaps you’re starting to feel more like a referee for the increase in squabbles and sibling rivalry between your children. The lack of a normal routine, coupled with the extra family closeness is likely starting to take a toll on the family. We get it. Family conflict is normal and unavoidable, but it is important to know how to manage differences so that you are actually able to enjoy your summer! Here are some tips to help you navigate your family’s conflicts and work to strengthen your relationships this summer! 

---

How to Improve Relationships Between Siblings

Spend time with each child individually

The best way to decrease sibling rivalry is to give each child positive, one-on-one attention, so they won’t seek negative attention from one another. Try to carve out 10-15 minutes a few times a week to spend with each child, doing an activity of their choice and nurturing their individual interests. 

Avoid comparisons and labels

When you compare your children to one another or give them labels, such as “the wild one” and “my athletic one,” you are fueling the sibling rivalry. Instead, create opportunities for cooperation by focusing on the unique abilities of each child.

Know when to get involved

Sometimes, when a parent steps in to break up conflict, it can appear as though you are choosing a side. Try to avoid being the referee and let your children learn how to work through conflict, when possible. 

Encourage finding a solution 

While you may not always need to step in as a referee or judge, you can act as a mediator, helping your kids come up with a solution that appeals to both sides. Demonstrating compromise and problem-solving tools can equip your children to solve future conflicts.

Reward positive interactions

Take time to observe and point out positive interactions between your children. No need to go overboard, but your kids will appreciate the praise.

Get outside

Encourage time outdoors as much as possible. This will improve your children’s sleep mood, which will help them to better resolve conflicts with siblings. 

Help identify triggers

You can help your children to prevent conflict beforehand by talking through situations that commonly lead to disputes and having them role-play how to handle those situations with respectful words and behaviors

---

Family Relationship Rules that Work!

Keep boundaries in place

Summer is not the time to forgo all of the family rules. Staying firm in your boundaries is healthy for your family. Be transparent about your expectations for one another during the summertime. Have a family meeting if you need to.

Maintain a light summer schedule

Along with keeping personal boundaries in place, your family will benefit from some sort of structure. Try to keep mealtime, screen time, and bedtime consistent. There’s still room for flexibility- bedtime can be later. Everyone will get along better if they’re getting enough sleep. 

Play together

Enjoying fun activities together as a family provides opportunities for quality time, deeper family bonding, and healthy communication. These activities don’t have to be expensive or extravagant- it can be a family game night, movie night, picnic dinner, walk through the neighborhood, or trip to the park! 

Find balance

Family activities are great, but don’t need to happen every day of summer.  It’s healthy for everyone to have some downtime to themselves. Try to find a balance between planned activities together and quiet or “doing nothing” time apart. It’s okay to be bored sometimes! 

Recognize and communicate feelings

When conflict arises, try to listen to how each person is feeling and point it out. Be direct with your words on how you’re feeling as well, using “I feel…” statements, rather than placing blame. 

Remember to breathe

Emotions can run high during times of conflict. It’s okay to have strong feelings, but it’s important to model self-regulation for your family. Watch your tone of voice. Recognize when you need to step back and breathe before intervening in a state of high emotion.

Source(s): childrensmd.org, chadd.org, health.clevelandclinic.org, extension.usu.edu, today.com, gowoyo.org, myuscare.com, parentingsimply.com

 

Sometimes participating in Family Therapy can be a great way to kick off positive changes in your home. We have multiple therapists who can help you all begin communicating and spending time with each other in positive and enjoyable ways. Miracles Counseling Centers can help!

 

(more…)

Learn More